Managed by John Coleman, Accrington Stanley finished 17th in the Sky Bet League 2 table last season.

Huddersfield Town Academy Manager Mark Lillis explained:

“When Joe was retained at the end of the 2014/15 season, the Club’s Technical Board* felt it was an important next step for him to go out on loan and experience regular First Team football at a good level and this loan to Accrington Stanley gives him that opportunity.

“Joe must now go there and embrace the challenge of cementing a place in John Coleman’s side. We’ll now monitor his performances for Accrington Stanley very closely, where we hope to see him go and excel in League 2.”

Town Manager Chris Powell added:

“I watched Joe’s development closely last season and he made it to the fringes of our team, being an unused substitute on several occasions and breaking into the Wales Under-21 squad on top of his good performances for Frankie Bunn’s side.

“This loan spell is a great opportunity for Joe to take the next step in his personal development as a footballer.”

* NOTE

Under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), which provides the framework for the operation of the Academy, Huddersfield Town has a Technical Board.

The Technical Board is responsible for developing, defining and monitoring the Club’s football philosophy.

Within that remit, its roles include monitoring the performance of players - such as Joe – through each phase of the performance pathway and measuring the productivity of Academy players at First Team level.

The Club’s Technical Board consists of the Chairman, Chief Executive, Head of Football Operations, First Team Manager, Academy Manager, Senior Professional Development Coach and Head of Academy Recruitment, plus other invitees as required.